Not all holiday gifts come in a gift box – Sometimes they come in a bag.
It’s the start of the holiday season, and nearly 90 people rolled up their sleeves to donate the gift of life at the 12th Annual Stay Strong Michael Blood Drive in Chatham on Sunday.
In 2014, a young Michael DiMaggio was walking home from school, when he was struck by a vehicle and suffered life-threatening injuries. In the first 72 hours, he received seven blood transfusions. When asked how the community could help, Michael’s mom Nicole asked everyone to donate blood. It was Michael’s near catastrophic emergency that inspired five Chatham moms to collect blood for other patients.
Every year, Nicole DiMaggio, along with Michelle Clark, Melissa Fitzgerald, Marguerite White and Rosalinda Rubio-Williams kick off the giving season with a large holiday-themed blood drive.
This year, Michael rolled up his own sleeve to make a difference for someone in need.
“It feels good to be able to donate blood this year,” said Michael. “So many others have done it every year.”
Michael is now a recent college graduate with a bright future ahead – something he knows is only possible because of the generosity of blood donors.
“I have first-hand experience in how blood drives like this save people’s lives,” he said.
Extending warm hugs and many thank-yous, Michael spent time on Sunday meeting the many donors who filed into the Chatham High School cafeteria.
With a bright smile, Michael said,
“I’m so grateful to everybody who’s come out here today and throughout the years to donate blood. It’s awesome to see. If not for people like these, I wouldn’t be here.”
According to his family, Michael’s strength and determination, coupled with the love and support he received, including lifesaving blood from volunteer blood donors, helped lead Michael to a miraculous recovery. He’s looking forward to a very fulfilling future as he builds his career in mechanical engineering.
The American Red Cross is always proud to partner with the moms of Chatham, especially during the holiday season when blood donations are typically down. To roll up your own sleeve, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
